Sydney veteran Luke Parker handed six-week suspension by VFL tribunal for late bump

Sydney veteran Luke Parker has been handed a six-week suspension after a late bump in the VFL

In the Swans 15-point loss to Frankston last Friday night, Parker chose to run past the ball and bump his opponent Josh Smith.

The act occurred in the second term and caused major damage to Smith, who was rushed to hospital suffering serious facial injuries, including a broken cheekbone as a result of the hit.

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Sydney attempted to use Parker's near-perfect record to defend him, with the midfielder only being suspended once in his 14-year career.

Parker says he was simply trying to shepherd for his teammate and also apologised for the act.

The act and suspension have come at the wrong time for Parker, as he continues to struggle to crack Sydney's senior side after an early-season injury.

Parker broke his arm in a pre season match, with the 31-year-old still unable to earn an AFL recall after 10 rounds of football.

Now, the Swans are flying, sitting two games clear on top of the AFL ladder.